Outer Banks Annual Events by Category or Month

Ocracoke Village celebrates Independence Day with a two-day celebration and fireworks. Ocracoke's family-oriented, fun-filled annual event offers many activities for all ages. Gather around Silver Lake Harbor on the evening of July 3 to enjoy a traditional Ocracoke Square Dance and fabulous fireworks display. The 4th kicks off with a flag-raising ceremony at the school circle followed by the annual Sand Sculpture Contest. Other activities include lighthouse tours, a vintage car show, live music and the annual Classic Old-Time Parade in which visitors and locals build floats, decorate bikes and golf carts, or sing, dance, and juggle to amuse the crowds.

Ocracoke Village celebrates Independence Day with a two-day celebration and fireworks. Ocracoke's family-oriented, fun-filled annual event offers many activities for all ages. Gather around Silver Lake Harbor on the evening of July 3 to enjoy a traditional Ocracoke Square Dance and fabulous fireworks display. The 4th kicks off with a flag-raising ceremony at the school circle followed by the annual Sand Sculpture Contest. Other activities include lighthouse... read more

Ocracoke Village celebrates Independence Day with a two-day celebration and fireworks. Ocracoke's family-oriented,... read more

The community of Manteo comes together every year to celebrate this nation’s birth with day-long festivities, and you’re invited to this family-friendly event. You can begin your day with a trip to Island Farm to experience an 1850s-style Independence Day. Interact with the farm’s animals, listen to a reading of the Declaration of Independence, play games and eat some watermelon. In the afternoon check out the downtown Manteo waterfront, where you’ll be entertained by musicians, a patriotic parade and all-American contests. After those festivities, head over to Roanoke Island Festival Park, where there's a patriotic concert starting at 8 p.m. Of course, no Fourth of July event is complete without fireworks. The Town of Manteo's fireworks display is launched from Roanoke Island Festival Park at dusk. If you want to take a different approach to the fireworks display, paddle or boat into the sound for a secluded view.

The community of Manteo comes together every year to celebrate this nation’s birth with day-long festivities, and you’re invited to this family-friendly event. You can begin your day with a trip to Island Farm to experience an 1850s-style Independence Day. Interact with the farm’s animals, listen to a reading of the Declaration of Independence, play games and eat some watermelon. In the afternoon... read more

The community of Manteo comes together every year to celebrate this nation’s birth... read more

Wait ... kegs can fly?! Who knew? Kitty Hawk Kites knows because they sponsor this fun (and funny) festival every October. Various groups around the Outer Banks create "flying" machines out of 1/6 kegs (empty ones) and whatever contraption they can come up with that might – emphasis on the word might – fly off a platform. It's a ton of fun to watch. When you combine that with a craft beer garden, local food vendors, live music, a kids' zone and more, you're in line for a pretty fun experience. For more information or questions, visit the event's website.

Wait ... kegs can fly?! Who knew? Kitty Hawk Kites knows because they sponsor this fun (and funny) festival every October. Various groups around the Outer Banks create "flying" machines out of 1/6 kegs (empty ones) and whatever contraption they can come up with that might – emphasis on the word might – fly off a platform. It's a ton of fun to watch. When... read more

Dare Days celebrates its 43rd year in 2018. The festival, always held in downtown Manteo on the first Saturday of June, is a mix of live music, craft and food vendors, dance and activities for all ages. The morning starts with a Blessing of the Day and ends with a big-name music group with people dancing in the streets. In between you can also watch — or join in — competitions for the best homemade jellies, breads, preserves, pickles, cakes and cookies. There are two stages set up, one at the old Courthouse and the other at the Maritime Museum, with various musical groups appearing all day. This is free family fun that will keep you entertained and happily involved in Roanoke Island's waterfront scene.

Dare Days celebrates its 43rd year in 2018. The festival, always held in downtown Manteo on the first Saturday of June, is a mix of live music, craft and food vendors, dance and activities for all ages. The morning starts with a Blessing of the Day and ends with a big-name music group with people dancing in the streets. In between you can also watch... read more

Dare Days celebrates its 43rd year in 2018. The festival, always held in downtown Manteo... read more

Here at the Outer Banks we love our seafood – the tuna, mussels, oysters, grouper, scallops, mmmm, we could go on and on about it. Have you ever thought about the source of seafood that you buy or eat? Hatteras Island’s Day at the Docks is an event to celebrate seafood and answer all of your questions about it. Learn how seafood affects the Outer Banks community and economy. Discuss marketplace choices and sustainability within local communities. You can participate in the Fishy K Fun Run, put your cooking skills to the test in a chowder cook off, enjoy competitions, demonstrations and much more. The Taste of North Carolina, Hatteras Style event is also held during Day at the Docks, so spend your evening sampling regional food and beverages while listening to live music. For more information, questions or concerns, reach out to Day at the Docks through their Facebook page or by emailing the event's website.

Here at the Outer Banks we love our seafood – the tuna, mussels, oysters, grouper, scallops, mmmm, we could go on and on about it. Have you ever thought about the source of seafood that you buy or eat? Hatteras Island’s Day at the Docks is an event to celebrate seafood and answer all of your questions about it. Learn how seafood affects... read more

Here at the Outer Banks we love our seafood – the tuna, mussels,... read more

Take a step back in time to a Roanoke Island winter in the 1850s. Island Farm invites you to celebrate fall food traditions as they share with visitors how coastal families prepared for winter two centuries ago. Learn about and try your hand at hearth cooking, food preservation and candle making. You can shuck some corn and do a little shelling too. In between all of these activities, tour the farm with a classic ox-drawn wagon ride. If you bring a nonperishable food item with you, you’ll receive a dollar off admission, and the goods will be donated to the Roanoke Island Food Pantry. You’ll be having fun while helping out a great cause. From Garden to Hearth is held the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving Day.

Take a step back in time to a Roanoke Island winter in the 1850s. Island Farm invites you to celebrate fall food traditions as they share with visitors how coastal families prepared for winter two centuries ago. Learn about and try your hand at hearth cooking, food preservation and candle making. You can shuck some corn and do a little shelling too. In... read more

Take a step back in time to a Roanoke Island winter in the... read more

Every Saturday in October finds kids and families at Island Farm on Roanoke Island riding in the ox-drawn wagon to the pumpkin patch to find their special one. After picking out the perfect pumpkin, children can make a corn husk doll, dip candles, stuff a scarecrow, play with 19th-century toys and games, check out the farm animals and more. You might even have the chance to go on a wagon hayride. Roam around on the farm for a bit, just enjoying the beautiful atmosphere around you. Feel the subtle nip of mid-fall in the air even though the sunshine is still warm. This family-friendly event is a great way to jump into autumn.

Every Saturday in October finds kids and families at Island Farm on Roanoke Island riding in the ox-drawn wagon to the pumpkin patch to find their special one. After picking out the perfect pumpkin, children can make a corn husk doll, dip candles, stuff a scarecrow, play with 19th-century toys and games, check out the farm animals and more. You might even... read more

Every Saturday in October finds kids and families at Island Farm on Roanoke... read more

Manteo Preservation Trust is a group dedicated to bringing awareness to the public of the cultural, architectural and historic heritage of Roanoke Island. Every year its central fundraiser is the Holiday Tour of Homes, during which homes and other structures on the island are beautifully decorated and open to tour. The tour route is usually easily walkable, and a local bike shop also donates bikes for those who might want to go from place to place on wheels. Light refreshments are served where the tour begins. This is a ticketed event, and the price typically is $20. People come from far afield for this popular event that's always held the first Saturday in December.

Manteo Preservation Trust is a group dedicated to bringing awareness to the public of the cultural, architectural and historic heritage of Roanoke Island. Every year its central fundraiser is the Holiday Tour of Homes, during which homes and other structures on the island are beautifully decorated and open to tour. The tour route is usually easily walkable, and a local bike shop also donates bikes... read more

Manteo Preservation Trust is a group dedicated to bringing awareness to the public of the... read more

Previously the Rockfish Rodeo, the Manteo Rotary Club has reformatted this fishing tournament due to the decline in the striper population. But don’t worry, a little change doesn’t take away any of the fun. There are now four categories that participants compete in: stripers, flounder, puppy drum and speckled trout. Prizes and awards are presented in adult, women’s and youth divisions for the heaviest fish from each category. It’s a great way to spend time with your family and friends while also enjoying the sport you love. And no fishing tournament is complete without entertainment. The day ends with a pig picking, live music and a silent auction. Proceeds from this Outer Banks annual event go to scholarships for young members of the Outer Banks community, so you’re fishing for a worthy cause. To register, go to www.rockfishrodeo.org.

Previously the Rockfish Rodeo, the Manteo Rotary Club has reformatted this fishing tournament due to the decline in the striper population. But don’t worry, a little change doesn’t take away any of the fun. There are now four categories that participants compete in: stripers, flounder, puppy drum and speckled trout. Prizes and awards are presented in adult, women’s and youth divisions for the... read more

Previously the Rockfish Rodeo, the Manteo Rotary Club has reformatted this fishing tournament... read more

Vamos, y’all! It’s time to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month with the Outer Banks Latin Festival. Held in mid-September at the First Flight Middle School Athletic Field,the annual Latin Festival offers a day of immersion in Hispanic culture. Sample authentic cuisine, watch traditional dances, listen to live music and browse through a market filled with artisanal wares. Don’t forget to brush up on your soccer skills — the Latin Festival wouldn’t be complete without a soccer tournament that welcomes all ages. This family-friendly event offers an excellent opportunity for all ages to gain an appreciation for Hispanic culture. Admission is free, so there’s no excuse to miss out on this Outer Banks event.

Vamos, y’all! It’s time to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month with the Outer Banks Latin Festival. Held in mid-September at the First Flight Middle School Athletic Field,the annual Latin Festival offers a day of immersion in Hispanic culture. Sample authentic cuisine, watch traditional dances, listen to live music and browse through a market filled with artisanal wares. Don’t forget to brush up on your... read more

Vamos, y’all! It’s time to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month with the Outer Banks... read more

Ocracoke celebrates its sweetest tradition in August with the annual Ocracoke Fig Festival sponsored by Ocracoke Preservation Society. Local vendors provide fresh figs, fig preserves, local cookbooks, fig-smoked barbecue and other fig-tastic items. Learn about Ocracoke’s fig history and culture and bring the kids for old-fashioned crafts and games. The showpiece of the Fig Festival is the Fig Cake Bake-Off on Saturday afternoon. Everyone is welcome to submit a cake in one or both categories, Traditional or Innovative. A panel of judges chooses the winners, and the best part is free samples for everyone after the contest! Join in a traditional Ocracoke Square Dance on Friday night, enjoy live music all day Saturday and dance to the Ocracoke Rockers in the Community Square on Saturday night.

Ocracoke celebrates its sweetest tradition in August with the annual Ocracoke Fig Festival sponsored by Ocracoke Preservation Society. Local vendors provide fresh figs, fig preserves, local cookbooks, fig-smoked barbecue and other fig-tastic items. Learn about Ocracoke’s fig history and culture and bring the kids for old-fashioned crafts and games. The showpiece of the Fig Festival is the Fig Cake Bake-Off on Saturday afternoon. Everyone is welcome to submit a... read more

Ocracoke celebrates its sweetest tradition in August with the annual Ocracoke Fig Festival sponsored by Ocracoke... read more

The Ocrafolk Festival is one of the most beloved Outer Banks annual events and traditions. On the first weekend in June each year, storytellers, musicians and artists bring themselves and their trade to Ocracoke Island for a three day festival. You can shop directly from artisans and crafters, watch art demonstrations, listen to established and up-and-coming musicians and be absorbed by thrilling tales about Ocracoke Island and North Carolina. Ocrafolk Festival’s music is live and features regional and national bands and solo musicians. As you’re walking around the village during the festival, you can always hear banjos, fiddles, guitars or voices filling the air. There’s also an auction during the festival that focuses on the works of different artists each year, so you’ll have an opportunity to bid on beautiful products.

The Ocrafolk Festival is one of the most beloved Outer Banks annual events and traditions. On the first weekend in June each year, storytellers, musicians and artists bring themselves and their trade to Ocracoke Island for a three day festival. You can shop directly from artisans and crafters, watch art demonstrations, listen to established and up-and-coming musicians and be absorbed by thrilling tales about Ocracoke... read more

The Ocrafolk Festival is one of the most beloved Outer Banks annual events and traditions.... read more